tommyg 152 #1 Posted February 1, 2012 I've been wondering... my D180 does not have an oil pressure gauge. Is there a reason why I could not install one? There's an opening in the dash panel for one, but it's just the knockout. If so, where would a sending unit be located on the engine? I know I've seen other d series tractors with a pressure gauge. Mine's a 1975 with an 18hp Kohler. Any info would be appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.5racer 14 #2 Posted February 5, 2012 dont know about the Kohler ,but the Onan is right by the filter behind the tin. Little 1/8 plug, and any oil gauge with line kit should have the line and fittings Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,193 #3 Posted February 5, 2012 On my D200 it is 4.5" directly above the oil filler tube entering the block. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesBe1 80 #4 Posted February 6, 2012 This is from the toro site: 101542 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge N.L.A. Original Model Supersedes To: 8-4130 At least they had them for the D180. Mayhaps someone has some NOS somewhere. Good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,193 #5 Posted February 6, 2012 Any 12v electric or a mechanical one will work. i am using a $19 SunPro mechanical gauge on my D200 (any auto parts store has them. Comes with all the tubing and fittings you need. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesBe1 80 #6 Posted February 6, 2012 Any 12v electric or a mechanical one will work. i am using a $19 SunPro mechanical gauge on my D200 (any auto parts store has them. Comes with all the tubing and fittings you need. Would that be this one: http://www.sunpro.com/product_detail.php?pid=16364 It looks like a great deal. If you figure out where to connect on to a D-180, please let me know. I'll probably install one if I ever get my engine running reliably, lol. James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,193 #7 Posted February 7, 2012 That is the one..i think the price was better at PepBoys 18.99 Here is how it hooks up on a D200 should be same location for yours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesBe1 80 #8 Posted February 7, 2012 Outstanding. I have a Pep Boys not too far from me. I think I'll swing by there this afternoon. They might even have a leak down tester. BTW, what oil pressure does your gage normally read? Thanx, James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,193 #9 Posted February 7, 2012 50 on startup about 40 warmed up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesBe1 80 #10 Posted February 8, 2012 Got my gage this evening. $17.99. Not a bad deal even for cheap made in china stuff. Maybe someday soon I will upgrade to a made in usa one. Since I got my carb soaking overnight, I won't be able to start it for a couple of days. I'll let you know how it goes. Did you bother to hook up the backlighting? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,193 #11 Posted February 8, 2012 Got my gage this evening. $17.99. Not a bad deal even for cheap made in china stuff. Maybe someday soon I will upgrade to a made in usa one. Since I got my carb soaking overnight, I won't be able to start it for a couple of days. I'll let you know how it goes. Did you bother to hook up the backlighting? I did hook up the lights on it and my sunpro temp guage for the hydro. Maybe made in china but i wasted time (and money) on two "good" take out original temp guages that didn't work right. The little dash panel light really doesn't illuminate things too well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesBe1 80 #12 Posted February 9, 2012 Got my gage installed this afternoon and got it running after cleaning the carb for the past couple of days. Great little gage. Unfortunately, I only have 30 - 35 at full throttle, and about 15 at idle. Can anyone tell me if this is too low? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,193 #13 Posted February 10, 2012 Are you using straight 30W? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesBe1 80 #14 Posted February 10, 2012 I am using 10W30. The crankcase breather valve is essentially a check valve that will allow flow from the crankcase to the carb, but not the other way. I think in my case, there is definitely flow from the crankcase. On my K482, I cannot find an acorn nut near the #1 cylinder. Just so I am looking in the right spot, the number one cylinder is on the left? Does forward of the engine indicate towards the front of the tractor, or do I have to remove some of the tin to get to it? Is it located towards the top or the bottom of the engine? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,193 #15 Posted February 10, 2012 Acorn nut was on early models. mine has an allen set screw. Left side, Flywheel end about in line with the hole the stator wires come out of. Have to get down on your knees and look up under the cylinder shrouds Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesBe1 80 #16 Posted February 10, 2012 Darn. I was hoping it would be easier. I guess I'll get to know it better when I take it apart to replace the rings. Thanx Paul. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tommyg 152 #17 Posted April 7, 2012 Gees, I gave up on this post after a few days. Should have stuck it out! Thanks for the info. I'm going to check it out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bewford 21 #18 Posted June 14, 2012 i would try switching to 30W oil and see if it helps your oil pressure, then adjust oil pressure Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesBe1 80 #19 Posted June 14, 2012 i would try switching to 30W oil and see if it helps your oil pressure, then adjust oil pressure In my case, I snapped a rod and had to replace the whole engine. Luckily, I found a D-180 on craigslist with a good motor for sale not to far from me. I replaced it, and I get good oil pressure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
